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Congratulations to the 2024 UCLI LSAT Scholarship Recipients

By October 10, 2024News

UCLI recently awarded the UCLI LSAT Scholarship to nine recipients. These awards have now been offered to pre-law students for the fourth year in a row. The Scholarship is aimed at expanding opportunities for students pursuing legal education who have a record of service to Utah’s underrepresented communities and display a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in their future legal career. University students, recent graduates, and others in the state of Utah who have taken or who anticipate taking the LSAT examination in 2024 were eligible to apply. We are grateful to ACE Test Prep for providing discounted test preparation materials to our winners who plan to study for the test in the latter half of the year. We congratulate the winners and wish them luck as they take the next step in their journeys toward becoming legal professionals. Learn more about the nine incredible 2023 recipients below.

 

Siale Hifo

“Siale is a Utah native who graduated from American Fork High School. She was awarded an athletic scholarship for volleyball at BYU where she later graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She played an additional year of volleyball at UCR while starting her master’s degree. Siale married her husband Aleva in 2020 and they were blessed with the addition of their son Ace in 2023. Her hobbies include reading and coaching volleyball. Siale loves to uplift and advocate for others and hopes to elevate her efforts in doing so by achieving her lifelong dream of going to Law School.”

 

Salma Rios

“Salma Rios is a first-generation student from Mexico, passionate about fostering positive change in her community. She earned an Honors Bachelor of Science in Criminology, with a thesis on “Police Response to IPV in Communities of Color,” as well as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Utah. She has extensive experience working with Latino-focused organizations, including serving as a Community Organizer at Comunidades Unidas. Salma is an active member of the Latino Leaders Network, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing leaders together, where she volunteers at events like the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series. Recently, Salma has expanded into the legal field, gaining experience in personal injury law and currently working as a Legal Case Manager at Fuerza Legal. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she is committed to using her expertise to empower her community and make a meaningful impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Salma enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, traveling, attending concerts, watching movies, reading, and staying active, while always remaining open to new adventures and challenges.”

 

J. Enrique Sanchez

“J. Enrique Sanchez is the Intermountain State Director for the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). A graduate of the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, he previously interned with the Latino Leaders Network in Washington, D.C., and served as the Community Specialist for the Park City Police Department. Enrique serves on the boards of the University of Utah Latinx Alumni, the Park City Community Foundation, and the Park City Youth Football Ute Conference. A proud DACA recipient and advocate, Enrique brings his experience as a Utah-raised Latino immigrant to his work, promoting sensible immigration solutions.”

 

Tate Warren

“Tate Warren is a first-generation college student at Weber State University, studying Political Science and Quantitative Economics. He has completed a total of five internships across private and public spaces, including both state and federal levels. Currently, Tate serves as Chief Justice for the Weber State University Student Association (WSUSA) and is involved in researching state solicitor generals’ litigation strategies before the US Supreme Court. In his free time, Tate enjoys participating in sports, spending time with family, and listening to Supreme Court podcasts. Tate aspires to a career in Appellate Litigation.”

 

Raquel Andreasen

“Raquel Andreasen is a first-generation student and graduate driven by a passion for advocacy and uplifting underrepresented populations. Since earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and legal studies from Weber State University, she has begun pursuing her dream of attending law school, undeterred by the challenges she faces. Having aged out of foster care herself, Raquel deeply understands the obstacles faced by individuals in underprivileged communities. Throughout her legal career, she aims to contribute to creating a more inclusive legal community, ensuring that diverse voices are heard.”

 

Diane Bahati

“Diane Bahati is a student at the University of Utah, finishing up the last semester of her undergraduate degree. Diane was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to the United States in 2006 as a refugee. For the past three years, Diane has been an intern in the Utah State Legislature. She spent seven months interning for the Office of the Governor, where she discovered her passion for public service. Her passion for policy and law is what motivated her to pursue law school. She is truly grateful for the many opportunities she has been given.”

 

Aranza Castillo

“Aranza Castillo is a proud first-generation immigrant from Mexico. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Business Management in 2021. As she navigated the higher education system, she became increasingly aware of the various systems of oppression and how they affect underrepresented communities. These experiences fueled her passion for social justice and motivated her to pursue roles that empower, educate, and uplift her community. During her time in school, she actively participated in programs that support first-generation and undocumented students. Aranza is deeply grateful for this scholarship and the support UCLI has provided in helping her work toward her goal of becoming an attorney.”

 

Shai Salas

“Shai Salas Alvarez, originally from Southern California, graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and now works at the Matheson Courthouse. They’re passionate about pursuing a career in law, with a focus on immigration, debt collection, and workers’ rights. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those without access to legal resources, they aspire to advocate for marginalized individuals and work toward transforming the legal system into a more inclusive and equitable space for all.”

 

Lea Cinq-Mars

“Lea Cinq-Mars is a student at the University of Utah, pursuing a degree while managing two jobs and preparing for the LSAT. She is graduating Spring of 2025 with a Major in Philosophy and Certificates in Criminology and Social Justice Advocacy. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she mentors a diverse group of students at Endeavor Hall, empowering them to navigate academic challenges. Additionally, Lea is a critical team member of the law firm Gardner and Taylor, PLLC, specializing in employment-based immigration. At the firm, she helps foreign nationals navigate the ins and outs of working and studying in the US. Inspired by her family’s journey as immigrants, Lea is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the legal field.”

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